According to
the saying, “you are what you eat,” but when it comes to your digestive system,
what you eat will be reflected in it.
The digestive
system plays an important role in our health as it is responsible for absorbing
nutrients and removing waste from our body. Most people do not realize how
complicated the digestive system is until something goes wrong.
In order to
take care of your digestive system, this article will discuss the overview of
the digestive system as well as the foods to eat and stay away from.
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What Is The Digestive System?
The digestive
system consists of the digestive tract and other organs, that help in the body’s
conversion of food into nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
They can enter the bloodstream and be utilized by the body for energy, growth, and
repair. Finally, the remaining waste is then cleared away as feces (stool or poo).
What Makes Digestion So Important?
The human body requires nutrients from food and drink to function correctly and to remain healthy. Hence the digestion process is important for human beings. Actually, the digestive system’s job is to break down nutrients– including protein, fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and water- into parts small enough for the body to absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair. The nutrients, such as:
--> Proteins break down into amino acids.
--> Fats into fatty acids and glycerol.
--> Carbs into sugar.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Digestive Problem?
The following are the most common symptoms of digestive problems:
--> Boating
--> Constipation
--> Diarrhea
--> Extreme food cravings, especially for sugar
--> Unintentional weight gain or weight loss
--> Frequent mood changes or anxiety, or depression
--> Nausea and vomiting
--> Food intolerance, and
--> Autoimmune problems
7 Foods For Better Digestion
Your digestive system begins to function automatically as soon as you put food in your mouth. Due to poor eating habits, the majority of people experience severe digestion problems. A well-balanced eating pattern is the best way to keep your gut healthy. The best Seven (7) foods for healthy digestion are as follows:
1. Curd or Yoghurt
Curd naturally contains good bacteria, which is good for gut health. Everyone must include it in their daily eating routine without any other thought because it is good for overall health.
2. Whole grains
These include brown rice, wheat, and rolled oats. They are rich in fiber, which is effective in treating digestive problems.
3. Banana
The best food for digestive problems is bananas. They are rich in electrolytes and potassium, which help restore bowel function.
4. Ginger
It
is the best spice and has many benefits for digestive health. It helps to cure the
most common digestive problems like nausea, gas, and constipation. However, the
recommended daily intake is only 2 to 3 grams per day.
Note: If the consumption quantity is exceeded, it may cause heartburn.
5. Beetroot
Beetroots are rich in fiber, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients support the recovery of digestive function. Beetroot is the best plant-based product to treat constipation problems.
6. Apple
Apples are a powerhouse of vitamins A and C, and other nutrients, and minerals such as folate, potassium, and phosphorus. Similar to curd, apples contain good bacteria, which helps to maintain good gut health.
7. Lemon water
Lemon
is rich in vitamin C and water helps to improve digestion. When you combine
these two ingredients, it is the best combination to treat digestive problems.
Method:
Combine lemon
juice (2 to 3 Tbsp) with a glass of lukewarm water and drink it every day for the
best results.
Most importantly, it is advised that you should consult with your personal doctor before incorporating any food options into your daily eating routine.
Unhealthy Foods (Foods To Avoid)
Certain foods and drinks increase the risk of digestive problems. They are:
--> Artificial sweetener
--> Carbonated drinks
--> Refined carbs (white bread, white flour)
--> Foods high in saturated fats (cheese, cream)
--> Coffee and other drinks contain caffeine
--> Spicy foods
--> Greasy foods (pizza)
In addition to these, there are some habits that also cause digestive problems. They are:
--> Eating too fast and
--> Lying down or falling asleep right away after eating
When Should One Consult A Doctor?
If you still experience digestive problems after making all the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes, it is advisable to consult a doctor for guidance and treatment.
How To Improve Digestion Naturally?
The major truth behind digestive problems is diet and lifestyle changes. Once we develop healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes, it greatly reflects a positive impact on our gut health. The following are some tips to naturally improve digestion:
--> Eat well-balanced, healthy food
--> Add plenty of fiber-rich foods to your eating routine
--> Add healthy fats to your diet
--> Always stay hydrated
--> Try to manage the stress
--> Chew the food and eat mindfully
--> Avoid late-night eating
--> Consider some physical activity as a part of your everyday routine
--> Include gut-supporting (probiotics, zinc) nutrients
Final Thought
A simple, well-balanced
diet along with gut-supporting nutrients and certain lifestyle changes is more
than enough to improve digestion and maintain gut health.
Based on my
knowledge and experience, I have discussed all the necessary information about
digestion or the digestive system. Before trying any foods or lifestyle changes
to improve digestion, it is best to consult the doctor.
I hope you
like the content…!
Have a
healthy, happy gut life…!